Behind the lens: Shooting the NBA playoffs

Robert DuyosStaff Photographer

So the NBA playoffs are finally here. This season of photographing the Miami Heat has been unlike any other. From the insanity of Media day back in October, to opening night against the Orlando Magic, to the first series which is currently being played against the Philadelphia 76ers.

I have been covering the Heat since 1991, and I've been witness to some fantastic basketball moments, including covering the 2006 NBA finals with the Heat defeating the Dallas Mavericks. I'll never forget getting into the Heat's locker room moments after they arrived with the trophy, and seeing Alonzo Mourning opening a bottle of champagne right in front of me, after eight years of not being able to consume any alcohol, Zo let it all go for this one brief moment.

Who knows what this year's playoffs will hold. What I do know is that the American Airlines Arena has been a non-stop party this year, packed to the rafters every single game, even if the fans here in Miami do arrive fashionably late.

As a photographer who sits on the court, next to the Heat bench, I try to put the newspaper's readers right in the action through my work. I use wide angle lenses quite often, which when used correctly, does put the reader right there. I see this as a responsibility as I am one of the very few who enjoys this close up perspective of these action packed games. If only I could tell you about all the comedy that one hears when so close to these athletes, as they have quite unique senses of humor.

As these 2011 playoffs continue, my job will be to capture the essence of this incredible season and try to show the reader's what it looks like to have incredible moments right in front of you. It won't be as easy as some other assignments, because shooting two months of basketball playoffs can make shooting different photographs quite a task. As the playoffs go on, I'll do everything I can to make some photographs that Heat fans will remember for many years to come.